Trump Calls for Direct U.S. Sovereignty Over Greenland President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 9 that the United States must acquire Greenland, arguing that a lease cannot guarantee defense against Russian or Chinese encroachment and that ownership is the only reliable deterrent [1][2]. He made the remarks at the White House during a meeting with oil‑industry executives, framing the move as essential to national security. The proposal marks a stark shift from prior lease‑focused discussions to a call for outright sovereignty.

Existing U.S. Military Presence Underscores Strategic Value Greenland hosts the Pituffik (Thule) base, where more than 100 U.S. personnel are stationed under a 1951 defense agreement [1][2]. Its Arctic location provides early‑warning radar and naval monitoring capabilities between North America and Europe. While the current debate centers on sovereignty, the longstanding military footprint highlights the island’s strategic importance to U.S. defense planning.

Denmark, Greenland Reject Sale and Warn of Alliance Fallout Both the Danish government and Greenland’s self‑governing authorities insist the territory is not for sale and stress the right of Greenlanders to decide their future [2]. Denmark warned that any forced annexation would jeopardize the trans‑Atlantic defense alliance, a sentiment echoed by NATO allies calling for a coordinated, Denmark‑Greenland‑led decision. Greenlandic party leaders emphasized self‑determination, rejecting treatment of the island as a bargaining chip.

White House Explores Purchase or Annexation Options Internal discussions have reportedly considered lump‑sum payments to Greenlandic residents and the possible use of U.S. military assets to facilitate a transfer of control [1]. The administration has not ruled out annexation by force, indicating a willingness to pursue drastic measures to secure strategic leverage. These options reflect a broader reevaluation of how the United States might achieve definitive control over the Arctic territory.